Eric Hammer
Hammer, a San Lorenzo Valley native and graduate of San Lorenzo Valley High School, has served on a litany of community councils and boards, including the county treasury oversight committee, the Boulder Creek Business Association, Mountain Community Resources, the Valley Women’s Club and Youth First, the group behind the former teen center in Felton.
“I come from a very active, strong environmental and social services background,” Hammer said. “Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve tried to give something to that community.”
Stone’s plan to run for state Assembly, Hammer said, creates an opportunity at the right time for him, citing the increasing stability of the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District, which he has served as a board member.
“I think it’s the right place to go, the right progression,” Hammer said. “I felt like there was an opportunity.”
Hammer said that, if elected, he would call upon members of the community to help identify the needs of the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley, as well as brainstorm sustainable solutions.
He cited a need to create a sense of partnership between cities and unincorporated areas within the 5th District.
“(Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley) are different areas, but they deal with a lot of the same issues,” he said. “People will come to you if you make yourself available.”
Hammer said one of the goals he would set as supervisor would be to work with the county’s planning department to change what he described as many residents’ negative view of the building permitting process, to make it easier for homeowners to get permits.
“I want to make it so every homeowner that is planning any kind of remodel will feel comfortable going to the county building for a permit,” he said.
He also pointed to a need to focus on protection of the district’s waterways and infrastructure.
Hammer enters a race wherein his opponent will likely be determined by a controversial vote of the present county board of supervisors, regarding redrawing the borders of the 1st and 5th districts through Scotts Valley.
So far, Hammer’s likely opponent would be Scotts Valley Mayor Dene Bustichi, but the redistricting plan, if approved, would render Bustichi ineligible to run in the 5th District, leaving the field unclear.
Taking a look at district lines, Hammer said, is something that needs to happen every so often.
“I think it’s one of those difficult issues,” Hammer said, “But I don’t see it as a political move, because I would hope the system works better than that.”
“Having a couple of strong candidates is what makes the election interesting.”
To comment, e-mail reporter Joe Shreve at joe@pressbanner.com, call 438-2500 or post a comment at www.pressbanner.com.
The Felton housing project was in the Felton Meadow, not the Felton Grove.
I read the comments and could not find where anyone said 20k square foot buildings. The proposed rec center is, in fact, 20,000 sf.
Please. Before you attack, pay attention.
Take a look at the B.C. Rec Center revised plan and grant application to the state for round 2. Yes, they will indeed be tearing down houses to build their monstrosity. Do some research and find the truth for yourself Bridget.
Thank you.
It's confusing. For the low income housing he says the valley is desperate for housing. But he is willing to bulldoze neighborhood homes in Boulder Creek to make way for his behemoth rec center.
What up.
Sorry, they have abused the good will of the people for loong enough.
I volunteer at the soup kitchen, Native Animal Rescue, the SPCA and the Women's Shelter.
And you?
What's Hammer going to do to allow people to get to know him? Know his positions, his character, etc.
Need to know.
And I totally agree with you that it has been a long time since we have seen "good people" run for office. Hope that day comes soon.
Tell me, what have you done for your community lately (offering your opinion is generally not actually "doing" anything unless you are a licensed professional offering a free service).
Cour ordered community service doesn't count, btw.
The Santa Cruz County Democratic Party simply wants someone who will prop up groups like SEIU and COPA/ACORN. I was going to add Sierra Club, but that organization is beginning to realize that the so-called progressives are no friends to the environment.
Sad, but true.
I've heard a lot about this guy doing substandard work and taking kick backs. Sounds like the perfect politician to me.
Today is the day that the county Board of Supervisors may try to split Scotts Valley into two supervisorial districts. Don't let them. It is a ploy to get the favored one, whomever that will be, to be elected as the next Supervisor.